BOTB – Spot The Ball And Your Chances
Ever seen someone win a brand-new car by clicking on a photo of a football match?
That’s exactly what happens in BOTB’s Spot the Ball competitions. But how does it really work, and what are your chances of winning?
This blog breaks down everything from how BOTB operates, to what goes on behind the scenes when winners are chosen.
If you’re new to skilled prize competitions, you might find this a simple and useful guide. Whether you’re curious about the judging process, entry costs, or whether it’s fair, you’ll find clear and up-to-date answers here. Let’s take a closer look.
Overview of BOTB’s Popularity
BOTB, short for Best of the Best, has run skill-based competitions in the UK since 1999. It began with events at airports and shopping centres and now operates fully online.
The main competition is the Dream Car draw, where you choose the car you want and take part in a Spot the Ball challenge. You are not guessing at random; you use visual clues in a football photo to mark where you think the centre of the ball was before it was removed.
BOTB has attracted thousands of players. As of 2025, it has awarded over £95 million worth of prizes, including luxury cars, high-end watches, holidays and cash alternatives.
Ticket prices range from around 40p up to several pounds, depending on the potential prize. The car selection often features over 150 models at a time. Prizes change frequently, so check the website if you are considering entering.
Playing Spot the Ball Step by Step
Entering is straightforward. Head to the BOTB website and register an account. You must be at least 18 and live in an eligible country.
Choose a competition type, for example Dream Car or Midweek Lifestyle. Then select the specific prize you want to play for.
After choosing your prize, pick how many tickets to buy. Each ticket allows you to mark one position on the photo.
Prices vary by prize, but most tickets cost between £0.40 and £5. Place your marker where you believe the centre of the football should be.
When you are happy with your selections, proceed to checkout. BOTB accepts standard UK payment methods, and entries are locked in once payment is confirmed.
You cannot view or edit your guesses after payment. Each competition has a closing time, so check the deadline before playing.
Odds: What Should You Expect?
BOTB Spot the Ball competitions are based on skill, not chance. The result depends on how closely your selection matches the judged “correct” spot.
For Dream Car competitions, typical ticket entries range between 100,000 and 200,000. With one ticket, your odds might be roughly 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 200,000, although actual figures can vary.
There is no guaranteed strategy. Buying more tickets gives you more guesses but does not ensure a win.
Some players cluster their guesses in a small area to try to improve their chances. Others spread their guesses across the image. Which approach is best depends on your personal strategy.
Different competition types on BOTB, such as Instant Win or Lifestyle, may attract different entry volumes. These formats often use multiple-choice questions or simpler entry methods.
All current odds, ticket costs and possible prize details are displayed before checkout.
Winner Selection Insights
After a competition closes, a judging panel of experienced professionals, usually ex-footballers and referees, reviews the same football photo that was used during the competition. Each judge independently marks where they believe the ball was before it was digitally removed.
These individual selections are then reviewed together to calculate a central winning coordinate. The player whose guess is nearest to this coordinate wins the main prize.
This process is recorded and published by BOTB to ensure fairness and transparency. In the rare event of a tie, BOTB uses a tie-break system, which is outlined in their terms and conditions.
There are also smaller possible prizes. Runners-up often receive BOTB Credit, which can be used toward future entries.
All outcomes are confirmed publicly and winners are contacted directly by the BOTB team.
Is Cheating Possible?
BOTB operates several security checks to prevent cheating. Once you submit your guess, it is locked and cannot be edited. You also cannot see any other player’s choices.
Judges are independent and have no access to entry data during the judging process. This separation helps ensure decisions are made fairly and without influence.
BOTB monitors entries for suspicious activity, including automated bots and duplicate accounts. Entries flagged for irregular behaviour may be disqualified in line with the site’s terms.
Digital tools are used to verify that each entry is submitted fairly. These measures together aim to maintain the integrity of the competition.
Is BOTB Rigged?
It is reasonable to wonder whether a competition offering high-value prizes is fair. BOTB states that all its competitions are skill-based and operate within UK law.
Spot the Ball contests are based on judgement and reasoning rather than random draws or gambling-style games. The company says this structure is intended to reward skill.
The judging process is filmed and made available to watch online, which supports transparency. Judges place markers independently and cannot see each other’s guesses when deciding.
All decisions are overseen by an independent auditing firm, providing an additional layer of scrutiny. BOTB also publishes the names and results of past winners on its website and social media channels.
How Prizes Reach Winners
If you win a competition, BOTB will contact you directly. High-value prizes, such as cars, may be delivered in person or arranged for collection.
Winners may be offered a cash alternative, which is paid in £s to a verified UK bank account. Other prizes, such as watches, holidays or electronics, are usually delivered by secure post or electronically.
Before receiving any prize, you will be asked to verify your identity and confirm your eligibility under BOTB’s rules. Winners should receive clear instructions on how to claim their prize and any arrangements for delivery or collection.
All details are outlined in the terms and conditions of each competition. Review those before entering to understand exactly how the process works.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.